Strengthening Multilateralism for Global Peace and Security

Thursday 20 February 2025 - 14:32

At a time when global peace seems more elusive than ever, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Security Council members to rekindle the spirit of multilateralism. He emphasized that, despite its imperfections, multilateralism is an effective system for collective security.

Guterres stressed the urgent need for solidarity and global solutions, especially in light of ongoing conflicts around the world, from the Palestinian territories to Ukraine, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Secretary-General also highlighted the persistence of terrorism, violent extremism, and a culture of impunity regarding human rights violations.

A key concern is the continuing threat of nuclear war, which Guterres called "outrageous." He also pointed out the emerging dangers posed by the climate crisis and new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), which, while offering limitless potential, pose serious risks to human thought, identity, and control.

For Guterres, these global challenges demand multilateral solutions, as outlined in the Pact for the Future, adopted by Member States in September. This agreement aims to strengthen global governance and rebuild trust in multilateralism, the UN, and the Security Council. It emphasizes the need for coordination with regional organizations, greater participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in peace processes, and reform of the global financial architecture to better meet the needs of developing nations.

The Pact also includes a digital aspect, advocating for the creation of an AI governance body that includes developing countries in decision-making processes. Another critical point of the Pact is the reform of the UN Security Council, which Guterres believes must better reflect the geopolitical realities of today. He called for an expanded and more representative Council, with improved working methods to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

Guterres underscored the importance of overcoming divisions within the Security Council, which have often hindered effective peacebuilding. He reminded Council members that even during the darkest days of the Cold War, they managed to collaborate on peacekeeping operations and humanitarian resolutions. He urged them to restore this collaborative spirit and build consensus for peace, emphasizing that "multilateral cooperation is the beating heart of the United Nations."